January 31 Last Date to Choose our Channels - TRAI’s New Rules for DTH Operators

January 31 being the new deadline for customers to choose the channels for which they wish to pay, the new rules for DTH and cable operators by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will come into effect on February 1. It is speculated that these new rules will make your bill lower than what it used to be.

TRAI’s new framework for channels will need subscribers to select at least 100 channels before January 31, 2019. DTH services such as Airtel Digital TV, Dish TV as well as cable operators and multi-system operators (MSO's) have already put out channels lists on their site.

The notification issued by TRAI mentioned that, “Provided further that all distributors of television channels shall offer and obtain the option for subscription of new packs, plans or bouquets from the subscribers in compliance with the provisions of these regulations on or before 31st January 2019 and shall ensure that services to the subscribers are provided as per the new packs, plans or bouquets opted for subscription by the subscribers only after 31st January, 2019.”

TRAI has also said that while these new changes are being implemented the transition should be smooth with customers not facing any issue of their television sets being blacked out.